2026 Best Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Nursing graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2207 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Healthcare Degree Search evaluated schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Nursing graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. La Salle University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. La Salle University alumni report median earnings of $67,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full La Salle University profile
You'll get strong value at Morningside College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Sioux City, IA, Morningside College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,519. Students borrow a median of $28,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. More on Morningside College
Mount Marty College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Nursing ranking in the United States. Mount Marty College is a private not-for-profit school based in Yankton, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,600. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,179. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount Marty College admits about 43% of applicants. Read the full report on Mount Marty College
You'll get strong value at West Coast University Orange County, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Anaheim, CA, West Coast University Orange County is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,506. Students borrow a median of $38,145 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $102,672 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about West Coast University Orange County
West Coast University Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Richardson, TX, West Coast University Dallas is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574. West Coast University Dallas Nursing students take on a median of $38,145 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,672. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full West Coast University Dallas profile
Youngstown State University placed #7 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Nursing students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Nursing student debt is $23,043. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Delta State University placed #9 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Delta State University is a public school based in Cleveland, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,605. Delta State University Nursing students take on a median of $23,590 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,991 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,590 median debt. Delta State University has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read the full report on Delta State University
Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Located in Peoria, IL, Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $22,008 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $18,500. Median earnings reach $72,850 ten years out. Set against $18,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Francis Medical Center College Of Nursing report
Clarkson College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Clarkson College is a private not-for-profit school based in Omaha, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,104. Clarkson College Nursing students take on a median of $31,289 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,289 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Clarkson College
Mayo Medical School landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Rochester, MN, Mayo Medical School is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,040. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,652. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Mayo Medical School admits about 39% of applicants. Read more about Mayo Medical School
Grand Canyon University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Grand Canyon University Nursing students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,186. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #14 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Mequon, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Herzing University Madison ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $37,747. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,909 ten years after entry. Set against $37,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Herzing University Madison has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about Herzing University Madison
Wheeling Jesuit University placed #16 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Wheeling Jesuit University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wheeling, WV. Students from in state pay about $29,875 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $57,949 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. See the full Wheeling Jesuit University profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. The median Nursing program debt is $30,359. Median earnings reach $50,527 ten years out. Set against $30,359 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Liberty University placed #18 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,457 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $26,252 to complete their Nursing program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $26,252 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Winona State University
Graceland University Lamoni landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lamoni, IA, Graceland University Lamoni is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,848. The median Nursing program debt is $30,754. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,361 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Graceland University Lamoni
Point Loma Nazarene University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Diego, CA, Point Loma Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,250. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,998. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Point Loma Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Point Loma Nazarene University report
University Of St Francis offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Joliet, IL, University Of St Francis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,110. Students borrow a median of $30,700 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,926. Set against $30,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full University Of St Francis report
Briar Cliff University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Sioux City, IA, Briar Cliff University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,642. Briar Cliff University Nursing students take on a median of $29,918 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,475. Set against $29,918 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Briar Cliff University report
Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Addison, IL, Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,536 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $39,146 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,405 ten years after entry. Set against $39,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Chamberlain College Of Nursing Illinois
Illinois State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $23,075 to complete their Nursing program here. Illinois State University alumni report median earnings of $62,117 a decade after entry. Set against $23,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
Rivier College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Nashua, NH, Rivier College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,488. Students borrow a median of $32,750 to complete their Nursing program here. Rivier College alumni report median earnings of $52,248 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rivier College has an acceptance rate of 83%. Read the full report on Rivier College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Nursing Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Mount St Marys College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. Students borrow a median of $25,167 to complete their Nursing program here. Mount St Marys College alumni report median earnings of $72,379 a decade after entry. Set against $25,167 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount St Marys College admits about 73% of applicants. See the full Mount St Marys College profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #27 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Maryville University Of Saint Louis placed #29 among the best-value Nursing schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,166. Graduates carry a median of $29,881 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. More on Maryville University Of Saint Louis
Gardner Webb University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boiling Springs, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $34,750. The median Nursing program debt is $22,461. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,039. Set against $22,461 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Gardner Webb University report
Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Omaha, NE, Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,934. Graduates carry a median of $35,362 in student loans. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health alumni report median earnings of $65,071 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health admits about 73% of applicants. Read more about Nebraska Methodist College Of Nursing And Allied Health
Frontier Nursing University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Versailles, KY. See the full Frontier Nursing University profile
Walden University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Walden University Nursing students take on a median of $32,800 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,800 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Nursing program debt is $26,053. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $26,053 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
National University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. The median Nursing program debt is $37,375. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $37,375 median debt. More on National University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Lewis University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Romeoville, IL, Lewis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,200 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,099. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lewis University has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Lewis University
Alverno College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Alverno College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,086. Students borrow a median of $34,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $53,145 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Alverno College
Union University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,398 in tuition and fees. Union University Nursing students take on a median of $29,127 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,990. That is a strong return on a $29,127 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Union University profile
Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $26,150. Graduates carry a median of $27,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,393. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School Of Nursing
Research College Of Nursing landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Research College Of Nursing is a private for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $22,273. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $85,910 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. See the full Research College Of Nursing profile
Cedar Crest College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Cedar Crest College is a private not-for-profit school based in Allentown, PA. Students from in state pay about $46,314 in tuition and fees. Typical Nursing student debt is $33,518. Median earnings reach $59,460 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,518 median debt. Cedar Crest College admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Cedar Crest College
Saint Josephs College Of Maine ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Standish, ME. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,420. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $59,045 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Josephs College Of Maine admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Saint Josephs College Of Maine
The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio is a public school based in San Antonio, TX. Students from in state pay about $10,991 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,776. Students borrow a median of $24,439 to complete their Nursing program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,206 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,439 median debt. Get the full The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio report
Seattle University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Seattle University
Xavier University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cincinnati, OH, Xavier University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Nursing program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,873. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Xavier University
Bradley University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bradley University
Purdue University Northwest offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Purdue University Northwest is a public school based in Hammond, IN. Students from in state pay about $8,357 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,504 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,552 to complete their Nursing program here. Median earnings reach $48,318 ten years out. Set against $24,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Northwest admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Purdue University Northwest
California State University Dominguez Hills landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Carson, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,454, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. California State University Dominguez Hills Nursing students take on a median of $18,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,162 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Dominguez Hills
Anderson University Sc came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Set in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,970. The median Nursing program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,101 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Anderson University Sc
Olivet Nazarene University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Nursing schools. Set in Bourbonnais, IL, Olivet Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,900. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Olivet Nazarene University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
Related Nursing Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Nursing Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Nursing Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Nursing Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Healthcare Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2207 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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